ROAD NEWS

Kiwi racing legend Simon Crafar testing a Harley-Davidson racing

Road Glide at Catalunya

Davidson ’ s racing baggers at on display in a test conducted in conjunction with DORNA and MotoGP at Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya raised a few eyebrows . New Zealand ’ s Simon Crafar was joined by John Hopkins , Randy Mamola and Marco Melandri as guest riders to run laps on the modified 131 cubic-inch beast , alongside regular Harley-Davidson Factory racers Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli on the 4.657km , 16-corner circuit . Simon Crafar : “ I was just enjoying it , and trying to figure out how it works . It ’ s so different . It takes a lot to get your head around it . The engine is just amazing , and I really like the sound . The engine is so good . It ’ s unreal , and I want one as a street bike .” The tricked-out Road Glides run standard frames and engine cases but have modified 131 crate engines , upgraded suspension and liberal use of carbon fibre to bring the big bikes down to a still beefy 281kg . The racing ‘ baggers ’ can pull 185mph ( American-style for a whisker under 300kmh ) on a decent straight , making for some amazing racing – worth a watch . It also shows what can be done , should you wish to dive into the Screamin ’ Eagle ® catalogue to see what is available , as in the suspension , engine , intake etc for your H-D …

18 KIWI RIDER